Condiment holder

ABSTRACT

A container configured to hold condiments or other items on a table that has an umbrella, with the container configured to be secured around the shaft of the umbrella.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of containers and specifically to containers used for carrying and organizing condiments and other items used for dining.

Containers for carrying and organizing condiments and items used for dining are well known in the art. Many casual dining establishments use such containers to hold salt and pepper shakers, ketchup and mustard bottles, napkins, utensils, and other similar items. Homeowners also use such containers, usually for bringing items from the kitchen to outdoor tables. While the known containers are useful, in certain circumstances they can create difficulties.

For example, many people enjoy outdoor dining on tables that have a centrally located umbrella. These tables typically have a central aperture into which the umbrella shaft is inserted. So configured, however, these tables lack a central place for locating a condiment container. One must place the container to the side of the umbrella shaft, making it less convenient to those sitting on the opposite side of the table. The entire container needs to be repositioned to place it in reach of others, perhaps multiple times during the course of a single meal. Moreover, it may be windy, and containers are prone to blowing over. Even in the absence of wind, clumsy diners may knock over the container, or even knock the container off the table.

It is therefore shown that there is a need for an improved condiment container that can be used with a table having an umbrella situated through the table's center.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a condiment container that can be used with a table having an umbrella situated through the table's center.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a condiment container that can be centrally located within easy reach of all diners.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide condiment container that can be rotated about the umbrella shaft to provide easy access to its contents to all diners.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a condiment container that can be secured to the umbrella shaft to prevent the container from toppling over or being knocked off the table.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a condiment container that can be easily transported from one location to another.

Other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the description that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a container for holding condiments and other items, to be used on tables having an umbrella. The container is adapted to be placed around the umbrella shaft and secured thereto, providing a convenient receptacle for items in a central location on the table. Once so placed, the container is secure on the table, safe from being knocked off or blown about, but nonetheless able to rotate about the umbrella shaft for convenience of access.

The novelty of the container is that it at least partially comes apart, so that a first portion of the container and a second portion of the container may be separated from each other sufficiently to place the container around the shaft of the umbrella. The two portions are then secured to each other so that the container cannot be removed from the umbrella shaft. In one embodiment the two portions come completely apart. After placing the two separate portions of the container on either side of the umbrella shaft, the portions are brought together and secured to each other. In the preferred embodiment the two portions are hingedly attached to each other at one end. The opposite end comprises a latch or other securing mechanism. The container is placed about the umbrella shaft by first unlatching the open end, pivoting the two portions away from each other at the hinged end, placing the open container around the umbrella shaft, pivoting the two portions back together, and securing the two portions to each other by use of the securing mechanism. Removal of the container simply requires the steps be repeated.

The container may be configured in various ways, for the convenience of the user. It could include multiple compartments for containing items, with the compartments all having uniform shapes and dimensions, or individual compartments may have different shapes and/or dimensions compared to other compartments. The height of the container may vary, depending on the type of items intended to be placed into its compartments. The overall shape of the container may vary, including square or rectangular shapes, circular or ovoid shapes, as well as irregular shapes. The materials from which the container is fashioned may vary, depending on desired aesthetics, durability, weight, and weather resistance.

Other features and advantages of the present invention are described below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention, depicting the device in closed mode.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, depicting the device in open mode.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, depicted in its intended use on a table with an umbrella, in closed mode, with items placed therein.

FIG. 4A is a partial top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, depicting a securing mechanism comprised of a hook and loop closure.

FIG. 4B is a partial top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, depicting a securing mechanism comprised of a magnet.

FIG. 4C is a partial top plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, depicting a securing mechanism comprised of a peg friction fit into an aperture.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention, depicting the device in closed mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a container 1 for holding condiments and other items 30 that are commonly used for casual dining. Specifically, the container 1 is to be used on a table 10 having an umbrella 20, where the umbrella has a shaft 22 and the table 10 has an aperture 12 through which the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20 is placed. The container 1 is configured to be placed on the table 10 around the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20, providing access to the items 30 contained within the container 1 to all persons sitting around the table 10. See FIG. 3.

In one embodiment of the present invention the container 1 comprises a frame 100. The frame 100 of the container 1 may have any suitable shape. In the preferred embodiment the frame 100 is substantially rectangular or even square. See FIG. 1. In alternate embodiments the frame 100 may be substantially circular. See FIG. 5. The frame 100 has a substantially closed bottom 130 and a substantially opened top 140. The frame 100 is formed of a first portion 110 and a second portion 120, which are moveable relative to each other to allow for the frame 100 to have an open mode and a closed mode. In the open mode, the first portion 110 of the frame 100 and the second portion 120 of the frame 100 are at least partially separable from each other, see FIG. 2, and in the closed mode the first portion 110 of the frame 100 and the second portion 120 of the frame 100 are adjacent and in close proximity to each other, see FIGS. 1 and 5. When the frame 100 is in open mode it may be placed around or removed from the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20, and while the frame 100 is in closed mode it is secured around the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20.

When the frame 100 is in closed mode, a central aperture 300 is formed within the frame 100. The central aperture 300 has an inside diameter just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20. In the preferred embodiment the inside diameter of the central aperture 300 is two inches, but other sizes are also contemplated, to accommodate differently sized umbrella shafts 22. An adapter, such as a ring, may be placed around an umbrella shaft 22 to increase its outside diameter if necessary to ensure a snug fit with the central aperture 300. In one embodiment the central aperture 300 may be rectangular. See FIG. 1. The central aperture 300 may alternatively be substantially circular. See FIG. 5. The snug fit of the central aperture 300 about the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20 keeps the container 1 from sliding laterally, but still permits it to rotate about the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20. The shaft 22 of the umbrella 20 is accommodated within the central aperture 300 of the container 1 by placing the frame 100 in open mode, positioning the frame 100 around the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20, then placing the frame 100 in closed mode.

Weather-resistant materials are also contemplated, for when the container 1 is used on outdoor tables 10. Contemplated materials include, but are not limited to, wood, including plywood, OSB (oriented strand board), and dimensioned lumber, of various species; plastic, extruded or thermoformed; composites; metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel; or a combination of materials. In the preferred embodiment, ½ inch thick wood is used for the sides of the frame 100 and ¼ inch thick lauan plywood is used for the bottom 130 of the frame 100. The container 1 may be dimensioned as desired. In one embodiment, the container 1 is approximately 15 inches long by 12 inches wide and having a height of 4 inches. However, the container could be smaller, larger, shorter, or taller.

Formed within the frame 100 is a plurality of compartments 200, with at least one compartment 200 located within the first portion 110 of the frame 100 and at least one other compartment 200 located within the second portion 120 of the frame 100. See FIG. 1. Multiple compartments 200 may be located within each of the first and second portions 110,120 of the frame 100 as well. Each of the plurality of compartments 200 may be configured to have substantially the same dimensions as each other of the plurality of compartments 200. Alternately, at least one of the plurality of compartments 200 is configured to have different dimensions from at least one other of the plurality of compartments 200. In the preferred embodiment, the container 1 comprises six compartments 200, with four of the compartments 200 being of a smaller size and two of the compartments 200 being of a larger size. See FIG. 1. The compartments 200 are configured to hold items 30 such as condiment bottles and jars, utensils, napkins, and other items 30 useful for the dining experience. The compartments 200 may also be used for other items 30 unrelated to dining, such as small tools, screws, bolts, nails, etc., if the container 1 is being used for work projects. Other uses are also contemplated.

The first portion 110 of the frame 100 of the container 1 comprises a first connection point 112 and a second connection point 114. The second portion 120 of the frame 100 comprises a first connection point 122 and a second connection point 124. The first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 corresponds to and is aligned with the first connection point 122 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 when the frame 100 is in closed mode, and the second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 corresponds to and is aligned with the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 when the frame 100 is in closed mode.

In one embodiment, the first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 remains attached to the first connection point 122 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 when the frame 100 is in open mode. In this embodiment, the first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is hingedly connected to the first connection point 122 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100. The connection may be an ordinary hinge 400, such as a door hinge or a piano hinge. See FIGS. 1 and 2. It could also be a flexible piece of plastic, or leather, or cloth. The second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 releasably engages with the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100. When the second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is released from the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 the first portion 110 of the frame 100 may be positioned at least partially away from the second portion 120 of the frame 100 and the frame 100 is in open mode. See FIG. 2. When the second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is engaged with the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is secured to the second portion 120 of the frame 100 and the frame 100 is returned to its closed mode. See FIG. 1.

In another embodiment, both the first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 and the second connection point 114 of the first portion of the frame 100 are releasably engaged with the first and second connection points 122,124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100, respectively. That is, the first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 releasably engages with the first connection point 122 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100, and the second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 releasably engages with the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100. In this embodiment, in open mode, the first and second portions 110,120 of the frame may be completely separated from each other. Thus, when the first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is released from the first connection point 122 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 and the second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is released from the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is separable from the second portion 120 of the frame 100 and the frame 100 is in open mode. Placing the first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 in engagement with the first connection point 122 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 and the second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 in engagement with the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100 causes the first portion 110 of the frame 100 to be secured to the second portion 120 of the frame 100, resulting in the frame 100 being in closed mode.

In order to retain the container 1 in closed mode, the container 1 may further comprise one or more securing mechanisms 530. In the embodiment where the first portion 110 of the frame 100 remains at least partially attached to the second portion 120 of the frame 100, a single securing mechanism 530 may be used. In this embodiment, one portion 532 of the securing mechanism 530 is attached to the first portion 110 of the frame 100 at the second connection point 114 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100, and another portion 534 of the securing mechanism 530 is attached to the second portion 120 of the frame 100 at the second connection point 124 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100. The securing mechanism 530 is configured to engage and release. In the preferred embodiment the securing mechanism 530 is a latch, such as a hook and eye latch. See FIG. 1. In other embodiments, other configurations for the securing mechanism 530 may be used. For example, the securing mechanism 530 may be comprised of hook and loop material 570, see FIG. 4A, or the securing mechanism 530 may be comprised of a magnet 540 and metallic material 542, see FIG. 4B, or the securing mechanism 530 may be comprised of a peg 550 and a hole 560, where the hole 560 configured to receive the peg 550 and the peg 550 is retained within the hole 560 by frictional forces, see FIG. 4C.

In the alternate embodiment where the first portion 110 of the frame 100 is completely separable from the second portion 120 of the frame 100, an additional securing mechanism 530 may be used between the first connection point 112 of the first portion 110 of the frame 100 and the first connection point 122 of the second portion 120 of the frame 100. In this embodiment, the additional securing mechanism 530 may be configured the same as the securing mechanism 530 located at the second connection points 114,124, or it may be configured differently. Alternatively, multiple securing mechanisms 530 could be used in conjunction with each other, such as a combination of pegs and holes and latches at each of the first connection points 112,122 and the second connection points 114,124.

In order to prevent the container 1 from marring the table 10, the bottom 130 of the frame 100 of the container 1 may have a protective material affixed thereto. In the preferred embodiment this may be a layer of felt 600. The felt 600 affixed to the bottom 130 of the frame 100 not only protects the table 10, but also allows the container 1 to rotate more easily about the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20. Other materials may also be used, preferably those having a low coefficient of friction to allow for easier rotation of the container 1, such as a Teflon® material. Alternatively, small rollers may be placed on the bottom 130 of the frame 100 to facilitate rotation of the container 1 about the shaft 22 of the umbrella 20.

The container 1 may further comprise one or more handles 700. Each handle 700 is attached to a lateral side of the frame 100. The handles 700 provide for easier movement of the container 1. The handles 700 may be made of jute rope, or leather thongs, or may be rigid, constructed of plastic or metal or wood. Drawer knobs or pulls also may be used. Any suitable handle apparatus may be used with the container 1.

What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the container 1 of the present invention, along with some it its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Other embodiments not specifically set forth herein are therefore also within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A container for holding items, said container to be used on a table with an umbrella, said umbrella having a shaft with an outside diameter, said table having an aperture through which the shaft of the umbrella is placed, said container comprising a frame, said frame having a substantially closed bottom and a substantially opened top, said frame formed of a first portion and a second portion, with the frame having an open mode whereby the first portion of the frame and the second portion of the frame are at least partially separable from each other, and the frame having a closed mode whereby the first portion of the frame and the second portion of the frame are adjacent and in close proximity to each other; a plurality of compartments, with at least one of said compartments located within the first portion of the frame and at least one other of said compartments located within the second portion of the frame; and a central aperture, said central aperture formed when the frame is in closed mode, said central aperture having an inside diameter just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the shaft of the umbrella; whereby the shaft of the umbrella is accommodated within said central aperture of the container by placing the frame in open mode, positioning the frame around the shaft of the umbrella, then placing the frame in closed mode.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the frame comprises a first connection point and a second connection point, and the second portion of the frame comprises a first connection point and a second connection point, with the first connection point of the first portion of the frame corresponding to and aligned with the first connection point of the second portion of the frame when the frame is in closed mode, and the second connection point of the first portion of the frame corresponding to and aligned with the second connection point of the second portion of the frame when the frame is in closed mode.
 3. The container of claim 2 wherein the first connection point of the first portion of the frame is hingedly connected to the first connection point of the second portion of the frame.
 4. The container of claim 3 wherein the second connection point of the first portion of the frame releasably engages with the second connection point of the second portion of the frame, whereby when the second connection point of the first portion of the frame is engaged with the second connection point of the second portion of the frame the first portion of the frame is secured to the second portion of the frame and the frame is in closed mode, and when the second connection point of the first portion of the frame is released from the second connection point of the second portion of the frame the first portion of the frame is positioned at least partially away from the second portion of the frame and the frame is in open mode.
 5. The container of claim 4 further comprising a securing mechanism, wherein a first portion of the securing mechanism is attached to the first portion of the frame at the second connection point of the first portion of the frame, and a second portion of the securing mechanism is attached to the second portion of the frame at the second connection point of the second portion of the frame, whereby the securing mechanism is configured to engage and release.
 6. The container of claim 5 wherein the securing mechanism is a latch.
 7. The container of claim 5 wherein the securing mechanism is comprised of hook and loop material.
 8. The container of claim 5 wherein the securing mechanism is comprised of a magnet and metallic material.
 9. The container of claim 5 wherein the securing mechanism is comprised of one or more pegs and a like number of corresponding holes, each said hole configured to receive its corresponding peg, whereby each peg is retained within its corresponding hole by frictional forces.
 10. The container of claim 2 wherein the first connection point of the first portion of the frame releasably engages with the first connection point of the second portion of the frame, and the second connection point of the first portion of the frame releasably engages with the second connection point of the second portion of the frame, whereby when the first connection point of the first portion of the frame is engaged with the first connection point of the second portion of the frame and the second connection point of the first portion of the frame is engaged with the second connection point of the second portion of the frame the first portion of the frame is secured to the second portion of the frame and the frame is in closed mode, and when the first connection point of the first portion of the frame is released from the first connection point of the second portion of the frame and the second connection point of the first portion of the frame is released from the second connection point of the second portion of the frame the first portion of the frame is separable from the second portion of the frame and the frame is in open mode.
 11. The container of claim 10 further comprising a first securing mechanism and a second securing mechanism, wherein a first portion of the first securing mechanism is attached to the first portion of the frame at the first connection point of the first portion of the frame and a second portion of the first securing mechanism is attached to the second portion of the frame at the first connection point of the second portion of the frame, and a first portion of the second securing mechanism is attached to the first portion of the frame at the second connection point of the first portion of the frame and a second portion of the second securing mechanism is attached to the second portion of the frame at the second connection point of the second portion of the frame, whereby the first securing mechanism is configured to engage and release and the second securing mechanism is configured to engage and release.
 12. The container of claim 11 wherein the first securing mechanism is a latch, and the second securing mechanism is a latch.
 13. The container of claim 11 wherein the first securing mechanism is comprised of hook and loop material, and the second securing mechanism is comprised of hook and loop material.
 14. The container of claim 11 wherein the first portion of the first securing mechanism is a magnet and the second portion of the first securing mechanism is comprised of magnetically attractive material, and the first portion of the second securing mechanism is a magnet and the second portion of the second securing mechanism is comprised of magnetically attractive material.
 15. The container of claim 11 wherein the first portion of the first securing mechanism is one or more pegs and the second portion of the first securing mechanism is a like number of corresponding holes, each said hole of the first securing mechanism configured to receive its corresponding peg, the first portion of the second securing mechanism is one or more pegs and the second portion of the second securing mechanism is a like number of corresponding holes, each said hole of the second securing mechanism configured to receive its corresponding peg, whereby each peg of the first securing mechanism is retained within its corresponding hole by frictional forces and each peg of the second securing mechanism is retained within its corresponding hole by frictional forces.
 16. The container of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the frame is covered with a felt material.
 17. The container of claim 1 wherein the container further comprises a handle, said handle being attached to a lateral side of the frame.
 18. The container of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of compartments is configured to have substantially the same dimensions as each other of the plurality of compartments.
 19. The container of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of compartments is configured to have different dimensions from at least one other of the plurality of compartments.
 20. The container of claim 1 wherein the frame is substantially rectangular.
 21. The container of claim 1 wherein the frame is substantially square.
 22. The container of claim 1 wherein the frame is substantially circular. 